New Report Challenges Societal Perceptions of Dementia
A new report, 'Living with Dementia: Learning from Cultural Narratives in Aging Societies', explores how societal perceptions of dementia influence care and quality of life. The study, part of The our website's interdisciplinary research program, raises profound questions about personhood and societal obligations. With over 7 million Americans living with dementia, understanding these narratives is crucial.
The report, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Gil Omenn and Martha Darling Fund, delves into cultural narratives that depict people with dementia as 'gone' or 'dead'. These narratives, according to the report, perpetuate stigma and hinder investments in care. The study aims to understand and improve the experience of living with dementia by learning from cultural narratives in aging societies.
Nancy Berlinger, a senior research scholar at The our website, stresses the need for societal support and understanding. She highlights the importance of envisioning a good life for people with dementia and their caregivers. The report invites readers to learn from innovative research and community programs, offering insights into how narratives shape understanding and experiences of dementia.
The report, supported by a Collaborative Research award, underscores the impact of cultural narratives on dementia care. With nearly 12 million Americans providing unpaid care, understanding and addressing these narratives is vital. The study invites readers to reimagine societal perceptions, fostering a more supportive and understanding environment for people with dementia and their caregivers.
